Satellite TV News

Notional and Electus are pleased to announce their partnership with TV Asahi Corporation and Yoshimoto Kogyo Corporation, Ltd, to produce and distribute the studio based game show UNBEATABLE.

Notional’s award winning creative team, led by Dave Noll and Chachi Senior, will work with TV Asahi and Yoshimoto Kogyo’s creative teams to develop and produce the show, which premieres as a special in Japan, and will be distributed through Engine/Electus Distribution run by Ben Silverman.

On UNBEATABLE, two teams compete to win the most squares on a gigantic game board.  To claim a square, a team must correctly answer one trivia question. If they do, that team claims the square and the prize that’s waiting underneath. Each team takes turns picking squares, and whichever one wins the majority of squares will win the show.

“I am extremely excited about the partnership with Yoshimoto,” says Noll, President of Notional. “Television creators are going to have to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the Global Market, and continue to explore new business models when it comes to getting shows financed. I look forward to what the future holds.”

SVP of Development, Chachi Senior adds, “I am very impressed by the level of care and commitment that the entire Yoshimoto team has devoted to the project thus far. Television producers are continually searching for new ways to get their projects made while retaining a higher percentage of the rights. This model is clearly a huge step in the right direction.”

This partnership marks a unique turning point in production deals. For the first time, a Japanese talent management agency has partnered with a US production company to finance and place a show with the shared ownership of the final product. The show airs on one of the top television networks in Japan, and the English language version (shot simultaneously) will be used to sell into key territories worldwide.

Marin Institute’s 3rd annual Free The Bowl Video Contest will be held on January 24.

Youth 10-20 years old are encouraged to compete in this action to eliminate exploitative alcohol ads on TV sports programs. This year’s contest calls for 30-60 second original music, dance, rap or spoken word performance counter-beer-ads. The top prize is $1,000.

Young people are slammed by TV alcohol ads every day of the year,” stated Michael Scippa, Marin Institute’s public affairs director. “But beer ads on TV sports programs, and especially during the NFL’s Super Bowl, are a massive overdose that must be curbed to reduce youth alcohol-related harm.”

Research has shown that the more alcohol ads kids see, the more likely they are to drink, drink to excess and drink more often. In 2009, the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking reported that 5,000 people under the age of 21 die annually from injuries caused by alcohol. Hundreds of thousands more suffer alcohol-fueled sexual assaults, serious injuries, diseases, and academic failure. Underage drinking costs the U.S. $60 billion annually.

“Foreign-based alcohol corporations spend half a billion dollars annually advertising during TV sports programs,” said Scippa.  “And the holy grail of beer ad venues and revenues is the Super Bowl, where Anheuser-Busch InBev burns beer brands into the developing brains of an estimated 30 million underage football fans.” Free The Bowl allows youth to say to Budweiser, CBS-TV, and the NFL, STOP EXPLOITING US WITH YOUR BEER ADS!

A recent analysis released by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, shows that voluntary industry advertising codes are ineffective. According to the study, youth exposure to alcohol advertising on U.S. television increased 71 percent between 2001 and 2009. The research also pointed to Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Bud Light, a mainstay of Super Bowl advertising, as one of 12 brands targeting youth.

United Sports has partnered with LUPO TKD to open an Olympic-style Taekwondo school in its Downingtown facility.

Classes will begin January 31st  and will run weekday afternoons and evenings, and on Saturday mornings.  The program is open to people of all ages and abilities. Regardless of your size, shape, or conditioning, Taekwondo training will take you to higher levels allowing you to achieve your personal best while having fun and learning valuable life skills all at the same time.

All students will receive a membership in USA Taekwondo (USAT) the National Governing Body that oversees the sport’s Olympic training and competition in the United States.

Taekwondo is the world’s most popular martial art, with over 70 million people training in more than 150 countries.  It is both a traditional Eastern martial art and a modern-day Olympic sport.  It is known for the speed, power, and precision of its kicks.   Like most martial arts programs, there is a strong focus on self – control, perseverance, and self-defense that all work to build confidence in the practitioner.

What makes USAT unique is its tie to the Olympic movement.   Students affiliated with the organization have the opportunity to compete in state, regional, national, and international tournaments if they chose. Also, USAT affiliation means that if a student moves from Downingtown, their training can continue at any USAT or World Taekwondo Federation school in the world.  Most local martial arts programs cannot offer these benefits.

Taekwondo is one of the more appropriate martial arts for children.  Unlike the MMA style that is popular today, there are no punches to the face, and participants are fully padded when sparing.  LUPO TKD will facilitate  the  USAT  program  at  United  Sports.   LUPO  TKD  CEO,  Robert  Fox  said,  “Taekwondo  is  an activity that parents and children can do together.  Why drop the kids off or watch and wait when you can get in there and have fun with them?   Families can practice at home, and there is always something to talk about at the dinner table.”

Ted van Beuren, President of United Sports said, “People come to United Sports because they know that we provide world class coaches and trainers.  LUPO TKD fits that model.  Their program at the Newtown Athletic Club sent 36 athletes to the Junior Olympics in Orlando last year and took home 40 medals.  We want to offer that kind of experience to our customers.   You can bet that United will host Olympic-style Taekwondo tournaments in the near future.”

The 2010 NFL ON FOX regular season goes down in the record books as the most-watched in FOX history based on ratings released by Nielsen Media Research, and for the third consecutive year FOX Sports holds the distinction of being home to the No. 1 television program in the country and the NFL’s top pregame and postgame shows.

The massive audience success of the 2010 NFL ON FOX season enables FOX Sports to continue its reign as America’s No. 1 sports network for the 14th straight year. All sports-related programs on FOX averaged a 6.0 household rating in 2010, with an average audience of 10.1 million viewers. FOX Sports topped second place CBS (4.3, 7.2 million) by +40% in rating and audience; NBC (3.7, 6 million) by 62% and 68%, respectively; ABC (3.3/8, 5.5 million) by 82% and 84%, and ESPN (.08/1.2 million) by 650% and 742%.

The season averaged 20.1 million viewers for all games, smashing the previous NFL on FOX record of 19.1 million set in 2009 by more than a million viewers. In household ratings, the NFL ON FOX 2010 season averaged an 11.8/24, its best rating in 15 years (12.5/29 in 1995).

This season’s average surpassed 2009’s then record-setting campaign by +4% in rating (11.8 vs. 11.4) and +5% in viewership (20.1 million vs. 19.1 million). Looking back two years offers an even more impressive comparison as 2010 is up +12% over 2008’s rating (11.8 vs. 10.5) and +18% in viewership (20.1 million vs. 17.0 million).

FOX Sports’ NFC package beat CBS’s AFC package (11.8 vs. 11.1) for the 13th straight season and also marks the 16th straight year that the NFC has beat the AFC on either CBS or NBC.

AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK, FOX’s national broadcast window on doubleheader Sundays, is far and away television’s highest-rated and most-watched program in any day-part, season-to-date. The 4:15 PM ET games on FOX’s nine doubleheader dates averaged an incredible 15.2/29 rating/share during the 2010 season. For perspective, the No. 1 entertainment program season-to-date is Dancing With The Stars and AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK on FOX bested it by +13% in rating (15.2 vs. 13.5), +45% in share (29 vs. 20) and +21% in viewership (25.9 million vs. 21.4 million). AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK also dominates among Adults 18-49 averaging a 9.2 rating, +84% higher than the No. 1 entertainment show in the demographic, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy (5.0).

Compared to the NFL’s other national broadcast windows, AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK on FOX out-rated CBS’s national game by +6% (15.2 vs. 14.3) and NBC’s prime time Sunday Night Football by +16% (15.2 vs. 13.1). In terms of viewership, AMERICA’S GAME OF THE WEEK out-distanced CBS national games by 18% (25.9 mill. vs. 21.9 mill.) and SNF by 7% (25.9 million vs. 24.1 million).

FOX NFL SUNDAY also had a remarkable season, reaching a six-year rating high and a nine-year viewership high while maintaining its position as America’s No. 1 NFL pregame show since its inception in 1994. The show that stars co-hosts Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee, analysts Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan and NFL insider Jay Glazer, finished 2010 averaging a 3.5/9 rating/share and 5.4 million viewers. Ratings-wise, that’s a +9% improvement over 2009, the best average rating since 2004 and its highest viewership since 2001. FOX NFL SUNDAY once again significantly out-distanced CBS’ The NFL Today by +25% in rating (3.5 vs. 2.8) and +26% on viewership (5.4 million vs. 4.3 million), and NFL Countdown on ESPN by +94% in rating (3.5 vs. 1.8) and 100% in viewership (5.4 million vs. 2.7 million).

THE OT, the NFL’s No. 1 postgame show, finished the season as one of the 20 most-watched shows in prime time averaging a 7.3/13 household rating/share and 12.3 million viewers. That rating ties THE OT as the 19th highest-rated show in prime time and the show’s average audience ranks it No. 20 among all prime time programs.

The NFL ON FOX posted impressive ratings increases across the country’s top cities. The top ten metered markets collectively averaged a 12.4/26, +23% better than CBS (11.2/23). New Orleans topped all markets this season (31.2/46), followed by Milwaukee (28.7/51). Other markets averaging better than a 20 rating are Chicago (21.3/41), Minneapolis (21.3/43) and St. Louis (20.1/37).

SURFER Magazine has announced SURFER Poll Agent of Change Award for 2010 to James Dunlop (Executive Director of MOF) and Charles Dunlop (CEO of Ambry Genetics), founders of the Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF).

The Foundation will benefit from the proceeds of VIP table sales, and their award will be presented on December 6, 2010 at the 40th annual event.

The Agent of Change Award honors organizations and individuals who are working for the betterment of the surfing community. In previous years, Surfaid International’s Dr. Dave Jenkins and Surfers for Cetaceans’ Dave Rastovich have received this distinction.

In 2008 the Dunlop brothers founded the MOF with three goals: help find natural treatments for children with genetic disorders, raise community awareness about these disorders and potential treatments, and to help fund research companies that are working to uncover and help in the finding of a solution to these genetic diseases.

Executive Director James Dunlop said “It is a true honor to receive the Agent of Change Award and be recognized by the surfing community for the hard work of our staff and volunteers. Although cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States, it is sometimes referred to as the ‘lost disease’ because it effects a relatively small population compared to diseases such as cancer or autism. The healing properties of the ocean have a positive effect on everyone, but a profound effect on CF patients. Surfing as a natural treatment for CF has raised significant awareness about this disease because of massive support from the Surf industry.”

Caleb Remington, MOF Member and MOF participant said “The MOF raises funds to support programs for kids and adults with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Their mission is to provide a direct and immediate option for children with genetic disorders an enjoyable and healthy way of life through natural treatments. “The daily routine of a CF patient like myself consists of a strict regimen of breathing treatments, chest therapy, and a whole lot of pills. There is one treatment that I love doing, and that is surfing. After a surf session I eat better, sleep better, and can stand on the beach and take a deep breath. The Mauli Ola Foundation is truly a blessing for the entire CF community because they bring awareness of this disease to a whole new level by taking patients with CF surfing.”

SURFER Publisher Tony Perez said “The Mauli Ola Foundation has proven what those in the surf community already know; that the ocean is a special place with many healing properties. Through the MOF’s research and hard work, we now know that kids with certain genetic illnesses greatly benefit from being in the ocean and that it helps cure certain diseases such as CF. SURFER Magazine hopes that by giving the Agent of Change Award to the MOF at this year’s Surfer Poll that we will help to enable the organization to raise awareness and continue educating the public.”

Verizon and the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they are offering Southern California fans a chance to win incredible prizes by entering the Super Fan Sweepstakes online contest.

The contest offers a grand-prize package of luxury-suite tickets at STAPLES Center, a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Lakers’ practice facility, and the title of honorary captain for a game.

Southern California residents can enter the Super Fan Sweepstakes contest online. After registering, players pick a position on the court from which the online character Ricky “Stretch” Stevens takes a shot at the basket.

Every shot enters the player into the sweepstakes, and players can win bonus entries if Stevens makes the shot.  Sweepstakes entrants can take one shot per day and can return to the site on subsequent days to try again.

The Super Fan Sweepstakes grand-prize winner will receive four luxury-suite tickets to the January 7, 2011, Lakers’ game against the New Orleans Hornets at the STAPLES Center; a personal VIP tour of the Lakers’ practice facility; and, as honorary captain, the winner will be on the floor to present the game ball to the Lakers prior to the tipoff.

John Wimsatt, senior vice president of marketing for Verizon said “Verizon customers know that there are only two ways to experience all of the action, excitement, sights and sounds of Lakers basketball: watching the game in person in the arena, or at home with fiber-optic-powered HD on FiOS TV. The Super Fan Sweepstakes takes the experience to the next level by giving some lucky Lakers fan the chance to see a game in person and then to be part of the excitement by joining the pre-game huddle as honorary team captain at center court.”

Two runner-up winners will also receive four luxury-suite tickets each, as well as VIP tours of the practice facility.  Super Fan Sweepstakes instant winners will each receive $25  NBA gift cards.

FiOS TV offers a broad collection of programming, with more than 520 all-digital channels including up to 140 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles.

FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and Flex View, which gives FiOS TV customers anywhere, anytime access to on-demand video entertainment.

Harris Interactive College Football Poll (SM) shows the Top 25 results compiled from rankings submitted by the Harris Interactive panel of former coaches, players and administrators, and current and former members of the media.

Oregon and Auburn each won and held on to the top two spots, while Boise State regained the number three ranking and holds a slim margin over 4th-ranked TCU. Wisconsin retained the number five ranking after its win over Indiana.

Other teams receiving votes: Northwestern 165; North Carolina State 98; Michigan 80; Northern Illinois 48; Temple 34; San Diego State 29; Maryland 27; Navy 25; Syracuse 23; West Virginia 22; Florida 14; Central Florida 12; Hawaii 11; Air Force 9; Kansas State 9; Southern Miss 8; Fresno State 4; Tulsa 4; Baylor 2; Penn State 2; Connecticut 1; South Florida 1.

Dropped out of Top 25: Florida, Central Florida.

Poll Methodology and Process

The 2010 Harris Interactive College Football Poll is comprised of former players, coaches, administrators and current and former members of the media who have committed to submit rankings for the top 25 college football teams each week. These panelists were randomly selected from among more than 300 nominations submitted by the 11 Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) offices and the independent schools. The panel has been designed to be a statistically valid representation of all 11 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and independent institutions. Today, 114 poll participants submitted their top 25 college football team rankings. Harris Interactive applies a standard statistical practice that allows it to identify potential instability, error or bias associated with unusual ranking patterns. Those rankings that are identified through the analysis are verified to ensure that each panelist’s intent is accurately reflected.

Definition 6 has launched Def6Video.com, a website dedicated to the agency’s video and audio production and post-production operations in its New York City office.

Definition 6 has been providing video, post-production and sound engineering services through its award-winning Creative Bubble subsidiary since August 2009 when it acquired the company.

The agency regularly works with clients HBO, Showtime, Nickelodeon, USA Network and Sesame Street on a variety of projects, including post-production and sound engineering, as well as creating original content from script to screen.

“We’ve been part of the Definition 6 family for more than a year now and it’s made a significant, positive impact in our ability to serve our long-time customers better,” said Rob Ortiz, Managing Director of the agency’s video services operations. “We look forward to continuing our track record of producing the highest quality work for our clients under the Definition 6 name.”

At its annual Halloween Party last night, appropriately themed ‘Metamorphosis’, the agency announced it would be officially rolling the Creative Bubble brand into Definition 6.

“Our video and audio expertise enhances our ability to operate as a unified marketing agency,” said Michael Kogon, CEO of Definition 6. “Rob and the Creative Bubble team have done an exceptional job building an A-list client base for Creative Bubble, by delivering the highest quality work. As Definition 6, we’ll continue to help clients tell their stories across all available media formats and devices – which are essential to delivering unified marketing experiences.”

Def6Video.com showcases the agency’s talent and body of work around video and audio production, sound engineering and motion design.

Mirdas International has announced the launch of their company, alongside an online store available at www.GolfAtMirdas.com.

Although Mirdas International originated out of Lincolnshire, England, they are now selling their products in the United States. Through electronic commerce (e-Commerce) and international shipping, people around the world can shop and browse through hundreds of products available on their site.

Founder and President, Ian Bembridge, said, “Our goal is to provide easy access to the best golf products available on the market, no matter where our customers are. We offer access and advice for purchasing the best clubs and equipment from around the world.”

GolfAtMirdas.com offers a variety of golf products for men, women and children. The site displays the best internet deals for favorite brands such as Callaway, Titleist, Ping and Wilson. With links to major e-commerce Web sites such as Amazon, GolfAtMirdas.com searches through thousands of deals on behalf of the customers, and then provides the customers with direct links to the best buys.

Passionate about the game of golf, President Ian Bembridge even provides his “top picks” for customers to browse. Bembridge adds, “Our customers feel safe and confident knowing they are buying the best products at the best prices—which further enables them to get the most out of the game they love!”

Items purchased can ship anywhere in the United States as well as internationally, and customer service will be available during normal business hours to provide assistance throughout the selection and ordering processes.

According to the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, The Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers matchup ranks #1 on the NFL Ticket Exchange “Buzz Index” for Week 7.

The division rivalry between the Vikings and Packers is currently among the most compelling in all of sports, and a now close race in the NFC North has further intensified interest in the upcoming contest between these two teams. Despite a rough start to the season, the Vikings (2-3) defeated the visiting Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 to find themselves right back in the hunt.

While the Packers (3-3), who won three of their first four games, have suffered two consecutive OT losses, including last week’s defeat by the visiting Dolphins. Injuries have sidelined a number of key players, but early season stats have shown that a healthy Packers team is tough to beat.

With a win on Sunday night, Minnesota would move a half game ahead of Green Bay. Can the Packers capture a home victory to stay in front of the Vikings? Or will the Purple and Gold prevail? Only one thing’s for certain, there’ll be no love lost when these division rivals face off at Lambeau Field Sunday night.

Week 7: 10/24 – 10/25 – Top 5 Most Popular NFL Matchups BY DEMAND

*According to the NFL Ticket Exchange “Buzz Index”

1. Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

2. New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

3. Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins

4. New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers

5. Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints